On Tuesday afternoon, an explosion at a chemical plant in Louisville, Kentucky, sent at least 11 individuals to the hospital, as confirmed by local officials.

The explosion occurred around 3 p.m. at the Givaudan Sense Colour facility, with the force of the blast shattering windows in nearby buildings. The Louisville Metro Emergency Services labeled the event a “hazardous materials incident” on X.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported, and Mayor Craig Greenberg stated in a news conference that the cause of the explosion is still being investigated. He noted that some residences were evacuated as a precaution but assured that no further evacuations would be necessary.

“We are in contact with the company to gather more information about what was in the facility and what chemicals may have been involved. Currently, we don’t possess that information,” Mayor Greenberg explained to the media.

A weather camera from WAVE-TV captured the explosion, revealing thick smoke billowing from the building. Aerial footage shared by local news station WLKY showed extensive damage to a large part of the facility.

Shelter-in-place order lifted at 4:39 p.m.

Authorities advised residents to steer clear of the area in the Clifton neighborhood as investigations continue.

The shelter-in-place directive, which covered a 1-mile radius around the explosion site, was rescinded at 4:39 p.m., according to a LENSAlert from the Louisville Metro Emergency Services.

“For now, please prioritize caution until we have the clarity we need,” Mayor Greenberg urged. “If possible, avoid the area. It’s not because of immediate danger, but because there are still numerous emergency responders on the scene.”

The Mayor mentioned that a further press conference might take place later in the day as more details emerge.

Louisville Metro Police’s Fifth Division has secured the roads surrounding the explosion site, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in the investigation.

‘It was so loud. I couldn’t believe it’

Arthur Smith, a Clifton resident, recounted hearing the blast while walking on South Spring Street. He remarked that it was an experience unlike any other he has had in the neighborhood.

“I heard it and felt the ground shake,” Smith told the Louisville Courier Journal, part of the YSL News Network. “It really caught my attention.”

Karen Roberts, an assistant community director at the Axis at Lexington apartments, was showing an apartment when she heard the explosion. Residents of the 300-unit Clifton complex hurried to their balconies to see what was happening.

“It was unbelievably loud. I couldn’t believe it,” Roberts said. “Some residents can see the plant from their back windows.”